Takoma Park Arts is seeking poets to apply for poetry readings in the area, as well as someone to serve as a city ambassador on poetry, the city government announced in a tweet Friday.
The poetry readings are part of the Takoma Park Arts cultural series and take place on Thursday evenings, according to the city government website. There are roughly eight events during the year, each of which are held at the Takoma Park Community Center auditorium.
“A reading usually includes 3 or 4 poets who each read their original work for approximately 10-15 minutes,” the city government stated on the event website. “Poets don’t have to be Takoma Park residents.”
All submitted poetry must be original work. Poets who are interested in applying for future readings can do so by filling out this form by July 17. Additional information regarding the Takoma Park Arts poetry series can be found here.
We seek poets for poetry readings at the Takoma Park Community Center and the Takoma Park Poet Laureate position.
Learn more: https://t.co/oHD6dn5yXU pic.twitter.com/suhHsCf41s
— TakomaParkMD (@TakomaParkMD) July 1, 2022
Local poets also have the opportunity to serve as the city’s ‘Poet Laureate,’ a position that includes being an ambassador and promoter for public appreciation of poetry in Takoma Park.
The Poet Laureate acts as the emcee at local poetry readings and also “chairs the selection committee that chooses poets for future readings,” according to the city government.
The position requires serving for a three-year term “with possibility of being reappointed to a second term.” A $2,000 annual stipend is also provided for services.
“The Poet Laureate must live or work in Takoma Park and be an active poet who has had their poetry published in journals, chapbooks, or other publications,” the city government stated.
Interested residents can apply by filling out this form by July 17. The chosen applicant will be selected by a committee of local poets and confirmed by the city council.
More details regarding the position, as well as a history of the Takoma Park Poet Laureate program, can be found here.
